Printing apparatus, control method, computer program product, and storage medium

Abstract

The invention relates to a printing apparatus, a control method, a computer program product, and a storage medium. The printing apparatus detects a position of a recording sheet being conveyed and controls transfer of ink and conveyance of the recording sheet. The apparatus determines a transfer start position of the ink based on a detected position of a rear end of a recording sheet being conveyed before start of transfer of the ink, and determining a transfer end position of the ink based on the detected position of the rear end of the recording sheet being conveyed in a second state in which the space through which the recording sheet being conveyed can pass is narrower than the predetermined first state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing device, a control method, a computer program product and a storage medium. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, a printing apparatus that performs printing by transferring ink onto a thin sheet using a thermal transfer recording method has become known. In such a printing apparatus, it may be desirable to perform printing on a sheet of paper held in a paper tray in such a manner that no margins exist. In response to such a demand, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-274061 discloses a technique in which perforations are provided at both ends of a sheet of paper and the paper is cut along the perforations after printing to produce a print product without margins.

[0003] However, with the technology disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-274061, it is necessary to cut the paper along the perforations at two positions, which requires effort after printing. It is also necessary to set the margins to be cut at two positions, which increases the cost associated with the paper. Therefore, what is needed is a technology that appropriately controls transfer near at least one end of a sheet so as to reduce the number of positions that need to be cut and ensure that there is no margin at the end of the sheet. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present invention provides a technique that enables transfer to be appropriately controlled near the end of a sheet.

[0005] In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, one aspect of the present disclosure provides a printing device, which includes: a detection unit, which is configured to detect the position of a recording sheet being conveyed; and a control unit, which is configured to control the transfer of ink and the conveyance of the recording sheet, wherein the control unit: determines the start position of the transfer of the ink based on the position of the rear end of the recording sheet being conveyed before the transfer of the ink starts, which is detected by the detection unit, and determines the end position of the transfer of the ink based on the position of the rear end of the recording sheet being conveyed, which is detected by the detection unit in a second state in which the space through which the recording sheet being conveyed can pass is narrower than that in a predetermined first state.

[0006] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a control method for a printing device, the printing device including a detection unit configured to detect the position of a recording sheet being conveyed, the control method including: controlling the transfer of ink and the conveyance of the recording sheet, wherein the control includes: determining the start position of the transfer of the ink based on the position of the rear end of the recording sheet being conveyed detected by the detection unit before the transfer of the ink starts, and determining the end position of the transfer of the ink based on the position of the rear end of the recording sheet being conveyed detected by the detection unit in a second state in which a space through which the recording sheet being conveyed can pass is narrower than in a predetermined first state.

[0007] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute a control method for a printing device, the printing device including a detection unit configured to detect the position of a recording sheet being conveyed, the control method including: controlling the transfer of ink and the conveyance of the recording sheet, wherein the control includes: determining a start position of the transfer of the ink based on a position of the rear end of the recording sheet being conveyed detected by the detection unit before the transfer of the ink starts, and determining an end position of the transfer of the ink based on a position of the rear end of the recording sheet being conveyed detected by the detection unit in a second state in which a space through which the recording sheet being conveyed can pass is narrower than in a predetermined first state.

[0008] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program / command, which, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform a control method for a printing device, the printing device including a detection unit configured to detect the position of a recording sheet being conveyed, the control method including: controlling the transfer of ink and the conveyance of the recording sheet, wherein the control includes: determining a start position of transfer of the ink based on a position of a rear end of the recording sheet being conveyed before the transfer of the ink starts, as detected by the detection unit, and determining an end position of transfer of the ink based on a position of a rear end of the recording sheet being conveyed, as detected by the detection unit, in a second state in which a space through which the recording sheet being conveyed can pass is narrower than a predetermined first state.

[0009] According to the present invention, transfer can be appropriately controlled near the end of the sheet.

[0010] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments (with reference to the attached drawings). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1A and Figure 1Bis a perspective view showing an example of the external configuration of a printer serving as an example of the printing apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2A and Figure 2B is a perspective view of an ink ribbon cassette according to the embodiment.

[0013] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the ink ribbon cassette according to the embodiment.

[0014] Figure 4 is a development diagram showing the ink ribbon according to the embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional view illustrating a printing operation of the printer according to the embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C is a cross-sectional view illustrating a printing operation of the printer according to the embodiment.

[0017] 7A to 7C is a cross-sectional view illustrating a printing operation of the printer according to the embodiment.

[0018] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a printing operation of the printer according to the embodiment.

[0019] Fig.9A and Fig. 9B is a flowchart illustrating a series of operations in a printing operation of the printer according to the embodiment.

[0020] Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B is a diagram illustrating a process for calculating a transfer start position according to the embodiment.

[0021] Fig.11 is a diagram schematically showing an area heated by a heating element of a thermal head according to an embodiment.

[0022] Fig.12 Schematic diagram showing the influence of curvature in a sheet.

[0023] Fig.13 is a diagram schematically showing a problem that may occur when printing is performed in a margin-less manner.

[0024] Fig.14 : is a diagram illustrating a state in which the trailing end of a sheet is detected during a printing operation according to the embodiment.

[0025] Fig.15 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a printer according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention. A plurality of features are described in the embodiments, but there is no limitation to the invention requiring all such features, and a plurality of such features may be appropriately combined. In addition, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are given to the same or similar configurations, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0027] Hereinafter, a printer using a thermal transfer recording method will be described as an example of a printing apparatus according to the present embodiment. Figure 1A and Figure 1B An example of the external configuration of the printer 100 is described. Figure 1A is a perspective view from the top, and Figure 1B 100 indicates a printer, and 200 indicates an ink ribbon cassette. Figure 1A As shown, a power button 101 and a display unit 102 are arranged on the top surface of the printer 100, and the power of the printer 100 can be turned on by operating the power button 101. The display unit 102 can flash and light up, and when the power of the printer 100 is turned on, the display unit 102 lights up. 103 indicates a cover, which is arranged on the side of the printer 100 and is configured to be able to be opened and closed in the direction indicated by the arrow A. When the cover 103 is opened, the ink ribbon cartridge 200 can be inserted into and removed from the ink ribbon cartridge insertion port 104 in the direction indicated by the arrow B. As shown in FIG. Figure 1B As shown in FIG. 1 , a sheet cover 105 axially supported so as to be openable and closable in the direction indicated by arrow C is provided on the bottom surface of the printer 100. A sheet loading unit 106 is provided in an area exposed when the sheet cover 105 is opened. In a state where the sheet cover 105 is opened, a user can load a sheet 300 cut into a predetermined length into the sheet loading unit 106. The sheets 300 loaded into the sheet loading unit 106 are pulled out one sheet at a time into the interior of the printer 100 by a sheet feeding mechanism provided in the printer 100.

[0028] Next, we will refer to Figure 2A and Figure 2B The external configuration of the ink ribbon cassette 200 according to the present embodiment is described. Figure 2A is a perspective view of the ink ribbon cartridge 200 as viewed from the top, and Figure 2B This is a perspective view of the ink ribbon cartridge 200 as viewed from the bottom. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the ink ribbon cassette 200 according to the present embodiment.

[0029] like Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 3As shown, the outer shell of the ink ribbon cassette 200 is composed of an upper case 201, a first lower case 202, and a second lower case 203. The upper case 201, the first lower case 202, and the second lower case 203 are formed of, for example, resin.

[0030] 205 indicates a feed winding member, 207 indicates a take-up winding member, and 210 indicates an ink ribbon. In order to facilitate insertion into and removal from the printer 100, the ink ribbon 210 is configured such that a cylindrical feed winding member 205 and a take-up winding member 207 on which the ink ribbon is wound are accommodated in the ink ribbon cartridge 200. The feed winding member 205 and the take-up winding member 207 are formed of, for example, resin so as to have the same shape, and the ink ribbon 210 is wound around the feed winding member 205. Figure 3 As shown, the first lower shell 202 includes a feed winding member storage portion 206 for accommodating a feed winding member 205. The first lower shell 202 has a pair of engagement claws 211 at both ends for engaging with the upper shell 201. The second lower shell 203 includes a take-up winding member storage portion 208 for accommodating a take-up winding member 207. The second lower shell 203 has a pair of engagement claws 212 at both ends for engaging with the upper shell 201.

[0031] The feed winding member 205 is rotatably held by the upper housing 201 and the first lower housing 202, and the take-up winding member 207 is rotatably held by the upper housing 201 and the second lower housing 203. By rotationally driving the take-up winding member 207, the ink ribbon 210 wound around the feed winding member 205 can be wound on the take-up winding member 207.

[0032] Reference Figure 4 The configuration of the ink ribbon 210 is described in further detail. Figure 4 2 is a development diagram showing the ink ribbon 210 according to the present embodiment. A yellow dye 251, a magenta dye 252, a cyan dye 253, and an outer coating 254 are applied to the ink ribbon 210 in this order, and a band-shaped mark 215 is applied to the beginning cueing position of each of these faces. Each mark 215 is a black line, and an ink ribbon sensor (described later) can detect when the emitted light is being blocked by the mark 215. Two marks 215 are set at the beginning of the yellow dye 251, which distinguishes these marks from a single mark set at the beginning of other colors. This distinction makes it possible to identify the beginning cueing position of the yellow dye 251.

[0033] Example of printer configuration related to printing operation

[0034] Next, the printing operation performed by the printer 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 5A to FIG. 5CAn example of the configuration of the printer 100 related to the printing operation of the present embodiment is described. Note that Figure 5A is a cross-sectional view showing a standby state, Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view showing a sheet feeding operation, and Figure 5C is a cross-sectional view showing the beginning determination operation of the ink ribbon 210 .

[0035] like Figure 5A As shown in FIG. 1 , the head arm 111 is supported so as to be rotatable about the head support shaft 112. The thermal head 110 is supported by the head arm 111 and can be moved from Figure 5A The standby position shown is rotated to the printing position that generates a compressive force for the platen roller 120 (see later). Fig. 7A 10). The sheet 300 and the ink ribbon 210 are pressed against each other by the thermal head 110 and the platen roller 120. The thermal head 110 is energized so that the heating element of the thermal head 110 generates heat, which sublimates the dye applied to the ink ribbon 210 and transfers the dye to the sheet. When printing in full color, the three colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) applied to the ink ribbon 210 in sequence are transferred in this order in a manner overlapping each other.

[0036] like Figure 5A As shown, in the standby state, the thermal head 110 is urged clockwise in the figure by a head urging spring (not shown) around the head support shaft 112. The thermal head 110 is restricted to a standby position at a maximum distance from the platen roller 120 so as not to interfere with the ink ribbon cassette 200 during insertion and removal.

[0037] The heat sink 114 is attached to the thermal head 110, and this configuration enables heat generated by the thermal head 110 to be transferred to the heat sink 114. The platen roller 120 is rotatably arranged in the printer 100, and is configured to rotate according to the conveyance of the sheet 300. The peeling plate 115 is attached to the thermal head 110. The direction of the ink ribbon 210 is shifted by about 90° by the peeling plate 115, and is peeled off from the sheet 300 as a result.

[0038] 130 indicates a sheet feeding roller. The sheet feeding roller 130 can be rotationally driven by being driven by a sheet feeding driving motor (not shown). The sheet feeding roller 130 can also be driven from Figure 5A The roller is shown moved to a retracted position away from the sheet 300. Figure 5B The roller is shown in a sheet feed position in which it contacts the sheet 300 .

[0039] 131 denotes a separation plate, and 132 denotes a sheet guide. The sheet guide 132 is lifted by the sheet 300 during feeding, and is supported so as to be movable from the sheet guide 132 to the substrate 300. Figure 5A Rotate the position shown to Figure 5BThe sheet guide 132 is always urged in the downward direction and is in the position shown. Figure 5A The position shown in contact with the separation plate 131.

[0040] 141 indicates a sheet feed port sensor, 142 indicates a sheet discharge port sensor, and 150 indicates an ink ribbon sensor. The sheet feed port sensor 141 and the sheet discharge port sensor 142 can detect the presence or absence of the sheet 300 by detecting reflected light generated when the emitted light is reflected by the back surface of the sheet 300. The ink ribbon sensor 150 detects light that has been emitted and reflected by the wall surface of the ink ribbon cassette 200, and when the emitted light is blocked by the mark 215, can detect the position of the mark 215.

[0041] 160 denotes a conveying roller, and 161 denotes a driven roller. The conveying roller 160 is rotationally driven by a sheet conveying motor (not shown). The driven roller 161 is a driven roller opposed to the conveying roller 160 and is configured to rotate according to the rotation of the conveying roller 160.

[0042] Function blocks related to printing operations

[0043] Next, we will refer to Fig.15 An example of a functional block related to the printing operation of the present embodiment is described. Note that the configuration of the printer 100 included in each block is not limited to the following description, and each configuration described in the present embodiment may be included in one or more functional blocks among the functional blocks. The communication unit 401 includes a communication circuit system for communicating with an external device such as a smart phone in a wired or wireless manner. The control unit 402 includes, for example, one or more processors, and controls each part of the printer 100 to implement various types of operations of the printer 100 such as a printing operation by loading a computer program stored in the non-volatile memory 404 into the volatile memory 403 and executing the program.

[0044] The volatile memory 403 includes a volatile storage medium such as a DRAM, and temporarily stores data such as an execution result from the control unit 402 and print data supplied from an external device. The nonvolatile memory 404 includes a nonvolatile storage medium, and can store various types of computer programs such as an operating system and applications in addition to computer programs related to printing operations.

[0045] The detection unit 405 includes various types of sensors such as the sheet feed port sensor 141 , the sheet discharge port sensor 142 , and the ribbon sensor 150 . The control unit 402 can determine whether the end of the sheet has been detected based on the detection result from the detection unit 405 .

[0046] The conveying unit 406 includes components such as rollers and a driving source (e.g., a driving motor) for feeding, conveying, and discharging sheets. For example, the conveying unit 406 includes a sheet feeding roller 130, a sheet feeding driving motor for rotating the sheet feeding roller 130, and a driving source for moving the sheet feeding roller 130. The driving source for moving the sheet feeding roller 130 may be, for example, a motor. The conveying unit 406 also includes a conveying roller 160, a driven roller 161, and a driving source for rotating the conveying roller 160. The driving source for rotating the conveying roller 160 may be, for example, a motor. The control unit 402 may control sheet feeding and conveying, etc. in the printer 100 by controlling the driving motor and the driving source for sheet feeding and conveying, etc.

[0047] The recording unit 407 may include a thermal head 110 for transferring dye to a sheet. A head drive motor for moving the position of the thermal head 110 may be included in the recording unit 407, or may be provided separately from the recording unit 407. The control unit 402 may control, for example, transfer onto a sheet by the recording unit 407 and movement of the recording unit 407.

[0048] The display unit 408 includes, for example, a display member that flashes and lights up, such as an LED, etc. For example, the display unit 408 includes the display unit 102. The control unit 402 can control, for example, display performed in the display unit 408. The operation unit 409 includes an operation member such as the power button 101, etc. The control unit 402 can control the operation of the printer 100 according to the user operation performed in the operation unit 409.

[0049] A series of operations involved in printing

[0050] The following will refer to FIG. 5A to FIG. 8 To describe Fig.9A and Fig. 9B A series of operations performed during a printing operation is shown. Fig. 6A is a cross-sectional view showing detection of the rear end of a sheet, Figure 6B is a cross-sectional view showing a state after sheet feeding is restarted, and Figure 6C It is a cross-sectional view showing a state during printing. Fig. 7A is a cross-sectional view showing the state during printing, Figure 7B is a cross-sectional view showing detection of the rear end of a sheet, Figure 7C is a cross-sectional view showing a state at the end of printing, and Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a state after the sheet is discharged.

[0051] Note that the printing operation according to the present embodiment is realized by the control unit 402 loading a computer program stored in the nonvolatile memory 404 into the volatile memory 403, executing the program, and controlling the constituent elements of the printer 100. Additionally, when the user loads the ink ribbon cassette 200 and the sheet 300 into the printer 100 and presses the power button 101 (which puts the printer 100 in a standby state), the printer 100 starts to operate. Fig.9A and Fig. 9B The operation of the printer 100 is shown.

[0052] In step S101, when print data is supplied from a mobile terminal such as a smart phone (not shown) through the communication unit 401, the control unit 402 receives the print data. At this time, the control unit 402 causes the display unit 102 to start a blinking display indicating a data loading state, and then changes the display from a blinking state to a lit display once the reception of the print data is completed.

[0053] In step S102, the control unit 402 controls the position of the thermal head 110 by controlling the drive motor for the thermal head 110, and further starts feeding the sheet by controlling the sheet feeding drive motor. The thermal head 110 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction in the figure around the head support shaft 112 by the head drive motor, and the sheet feeding drive motor 112 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction in the figure. Figure 5A The standby position shown moves to Figure 5B The sheet feed roller 130 is in the middle position shown. Figure 5A The retracted position shown is pushed down to Figure 5B The sheet feeding position shown in FIG. 1 is in contact with the sheet 300, is rotated in the clockwise direction in the figure by the sheet feeding drive motor, and conveys the sheet 300 loaded in the sheet loading unit 106 toward the inside of the printer 100. The sheet 300 contacts the separation plate 131 provided in the printer 100, and the leading end of the sheet 300 further pushes the sheet guide 132 upward, so that only the uppermost single sheet 300 is conveyed.

[0054] In step S103, the control unit 402 determines whether the sheet feed port sensor 141 has detected the sheet 300. If the sheet 300 has been detected, the control unit 402 moves the sequence to step S104, and if the sheet 300 has not been detected (for example, if the sheet 300 has not been detected within a prescribed period of time), the control unit 402 moves the sequence to step S105. If the sheet 300 has not been detected, the control unit 402 may determine that the sheet 300 is not loaded in the sheet loading unit 106.

[0055] In step S104, the control unit 402 stops the rotation of the sheet feeding roller 130 and suspends the sheet feeding operation. The sheet feeding roller 130 is driven by a driving source (not shown) from Figure 5BPush the sheet feed position shown upward to Figure 5C Because the sheet guide 132 is always forced in the downward direction, the sheet 300 is in the retracted position. Figure 5C The position shown is stably held between the separation plate 131 and the sheet guide 132 .

[0056] On the other hand, in step S105, the control unit 402 displays an error indication indicating that the sheet 300 cannot be fed by causing the display unit 102 to light up and transmits the error indication indicating that the sheet 300 cannot be fed to the mobile terminal (not shown) via the communication unit 401. This makes it possible to urge the user to load the sheet 300 into the sheet loading unit 106 of the printer 100. At this time, the control unit 402 stops the rotation of the sheet feeding roller 130. The sheet feeding roller 130 is also driven by a driving source (not shown). Figure 5B Push the sheet feed position shown upward to Figure 5A Then, the thermal head 110 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction in the figure about the head support shaft 112 by the head drive motor and moves from Figure 5B The intermediate position shown moves to Figure 5A Standby position shown.

[0057] In step S106, the control unit 402 determines (eg, using the sheet feed port sensor 141) whether the user has loaded the sheet 300. Once the sheet 300 has been loaded, the sequence advances to step S102, but if the sheet 300 has not been loaded, printing is stopped and a series of operations ends.

[0058] In step S107, the control unit 402 starts the beginning determination operation of the yellow dye 251 of the ink ribbon 210. The front end of the take-up winding member 207 arranged in the ink ribbon cassette 200 engages with the engaging portion provided in the printer 100, and the take-up winding member 207 rotates in the counterclockwise direction in the figure under the action of a force (not shown) according to the instruction from the control unit 402. As a result, the ink ribbon 210 wound around the feed winding member 205 is wound on the take-up winding member 207. Figure 4 As shown, the marks 215 are provided at the beginning of the inks of the respective colors on the ink ribbon 210, and in particular, two of the marks 215 are provided at the beginning of the yellow dye 251. The printer 100 has the ink ribbon sensor 150 which is a reflective photoelectric sensor, and detects the reflected light being blocked by the marks 215 provided on the ink ribbon 210. The control unit 402 determines the beginning of the yellow dye 251 by the ink ribbon sensor 150 continuously detecting the two marks 215 within a prescribed period of time.

[0059] In step S108, the control unit 402 determines whether the ink ribbon sensor 150 has detected two marks 215 at the beginning of the yellow dye 251. When the two marks 215 are detected, the control unit 402 moves the sequence to step S109. However, if the two marks 215 cannot be detected, the control unit 402 moves the sequence to step S110. If the two marks 215 are not detected, the control unit 402 can determine that there is no ink ribbon 210 remaining in the ink ribbon cartridge 200 loaded in the printer 100. In step S109, the control unit 402 completes the beginning determination operation of the yellow dye 251.

[0060] In step S110, the control unit 402 first uses the drive source to move the sheet feed roller 130 from Figure 5C Push down to the retracted position shown Figure 5B The control unit 402 controls the sheet feeding roller 130 to rotate in the counterclockwise direction in the figure using the sheet feeding drive motor, which conveys the sheet 300 toward the sheet loading unit 106. Once the sheet 300 has completely returned to the sheet loading unit 106, the control unit 402 controls the head driving motor to rotate the thermal head 110 in the counterclockwise direction in the figure about the head supporting shaft 112, and conveys the sheet 300 from the sheet loading unit 106. Figure 5B The intermediate position shown moves to Figure 5A The control unit 402 lights up the display unit 102 and displays an error indication indicating that there is no ink ribbon 210 remaining in the ink ribbon cassette 200 in the mobile terminal or the like via the communication unit 401. This makes it possible to urge the user to replace the ink ribbon cassette 200.

[0061] In step S111, the control unit 402 determines whether the user has replaced the ink ribbon cartridge 200. If the ink ribbon cartridge 200 is determined to have been replaced, the control unit 402 moves the sequence to step S102, but if not (if the ink ribbon cartridge 200 has not been replaced), stops printing and ends a series of operations.

[0062] In step S112, the control unit 402 restarts sheet feeding. The control unit 402 uses the drive source to move the sheet feeding roller 130 from Figure 5C Push down to the retracted position shown Figure 5BThe sheet 300 is moved to the sheet feeding position shown, thereby bringing the roller into contact with the sheet 300. In this state, the control unit 402 uses the sheet feeding drive motor to rotate the sheet feeding roller 130 in the clockwise direction in the figure, which restarts the sheet feeding operation. The sheet 300 is conveyed in the direction of arrow D by the sheet feeding roller 130. At this time, the conveying roller 160 is rotating in the counterclockwise direction in the figure using the driving source for the conveying roller according to the rotation speed of the sheet feeding roller 130. Therefore, the sheet 300 enters the roller gap position between the conveying roller 160 and the driven roller 161 without applying any load, and is further conveyed in the direction of arrow D. When the sheet 300 is clamped between the conveying roller 160 and the driven roller 161 and is conveyed in the direction of arrow D, the sheet feeding roller 130 stops rotating and is pushed upward to Fig. 6A The sheet 300 is conveyed to the retracted position by the conveying roller 160. Fig. 6A Position shown.

[0063] In step S113, the control unit 402 determines whether the sheet feed port sensor 141 has detected the rear end 302 of the sheet 300. If the rear end 302 is determined to have been detected, the control unit 402 moves the sequence to step S114, and if not, repeats the processing from step S113.

[0064] In step S114, the control unit 402 calculates the transfer start position based on the result of detecting the position of the trailing end 302 of the sheet in step S113. This will be described in detail later.

[0065] In step S115, the control unit 402 conveys the sheet 300 using the conveying roller 160. Figure 6B When the sheet guide 132 is in the position shown, Fig. 6A Push down to the position shown Figure 6B Then, after the rotation stops, the conveying roller 160 is rotated in the clockwise direction in the figure by the driving source, and the sheet 300 is conveyed in the direction of arrow E. Because the sheet guide 132 is pushed down to Figure 6B Therefore, the sheet 300 is conveyed toward the conveying path above the sheet loading unit 106. The sheet 300 is conveyed to the position calculated in step S114. Figure 6C The transfer start position is shown, which completes the sheet feeding operation.

[0066] In step S116, the control unit 402 performs yellow printing (i.e., transfers the yellow dye 251). The control unit 402 uses the head drive motor to rotate the head arm 111, which keeps the thermal head 110 in the Fig. 7AThe sheet 300 and the ink ribbon 210 are pressed against each other by the thermal head 110 and the platen roller 120. Then, while the sheet 300 is being conveyed in the direction of arrow D by the conveying roller 160, the control unit 402 causes the heating element 110-A of the thermal head 110 to generate heat according to the print signal, which thermally transfers the yellow dye 251 on the ink ribbon 210 to the sheet 300. The take-up winding member 207 is rotationally driven by a drive source (not shown), and the ink ribbon 210 during the printing operation is conveyed in the direction of arrow D at the same conveying speed as the sheet 300.

[0067] During yellow printing, the sheet 300 is conveyed to Figure 7B When the sheet 300 is in the position shown, in step S117, the control unit 402 determines whether the sheet feed port sensor 141 has detected the rear end 302 of the sheet 300. If the rear end 302 has been detected, the control unit 402 moves the sequence to step S118, and if not, returns the sequence to step S117.

[0068] In step S118, the control unit 402 calculates the transfer end position based on the result of detecting the position of the rear end 302 of the sheet in step S117. This will be described in detail later. Figure 7C As shown, when the sheet 300 is conveyed to the transfer end position calculated in step S118, the heating of the heating element 110-A of the thermal head 110 is stopped, and the yellow printing is ended. At this time, in order to print in such a manner that there is no margin at the rear end 302 of the sheet 300, the rear end 302 stops at a position conveyed further in the direction of arrow D than the position where the sheet 300 is pressed between the thermal head 110 and the platen roller 120.

[0069] Next, in step S119, the control unit 402 performs a return operation to perform magenta printing (i.e., transfer magenta dye 252). First, the control unit 402 rotates the head arm 111 to release the sheet 300 from between the thermal head 110 and the platen roller 120, thereby stopping at Figure 6B Then, the control unit 402 uses the conveying roller 160 to convey the sheet 300 in the direction of arrow E to the middle position shown in FIG. Figure 6C The printing position shown. The take-up winding member 207 also rotates simultaneously. When the ribbon sensor 150 detects the mark 215 set at the beginning of the magenta dye 252, the rotation of the take-up winding member 207 is stopped, and the determination of the beginning of the magenta dye 252 is completed.

[0070] In step S120, the control unit 402 performs magenta printing. As in the above yellow printing, the control unit 402 uses the head drive motor to rotate the head arm 111 and stops the thermal head 110 at Fig. 7A10 and the sheet 300 is pressed against the ink ribbon 210 using the thermal head 110 and the platen roller 120. Then, while the sheet 300 is being conveyed in the direction of arrow D by the conveying roller 160, the control unit 402 causes the heating element 110-A of the thermal head 110 to generate heat according to the print signal, which thermally transfers the magenta dye 252 on the ink ribbon 210 to the sheet 300. As in the case of yellow printing, after the sheet 300 is conveyed to the position calculated and printed in step S118, the control unit 402 generates heat. Figure 7C , the heating of the heating element 110-A of the thermal head 110 is stopped, and the magenta printing is finished. At this time, in order to print in such a manner that there is no margin at the rear end 302 of the sheet 300, the rear end 302 stops at a position further conveyed in the direction of arrow D than the position where the sheet 300 is pressed between the thermal head 110 and the platen roller 120.

[0071] In step S121, the control unit 402 performs a return operation in the same manner as in step S119. First, the head arm 111 is rotated to release the sheet 300 from between the thermal head 110 and the platen roller 120, thereby stopping at Figure 6B Then, the sheet 300 is conveyed to the middle position shown in FIG. Figure 6C The control unit 402 also rotates the take-up winding member 207 at the same time. Then, when the ribbon sensor 150 detects the mark 215 set at the beginning of the cyan dye 253, the control unit 402 stops the rotation of the take-up winding member 207 and determines the beginning of the cyan dye 253.

[0072] In step S122, the control unit 402 performs cyan printing (ie, transfers the cyan dye 253). The control unit 402 uses the head drive motor to rotate the head arm 111 and stops the thermal head 110 at Fig. 7A 10 and the sheet 300 is pressed against the ink ribbon 210 using the thermal head 110 and the platen roller 120. Then, while the sheet 300 is being conveyed in the direction of arrow D by the conveying roller 160, the control unit 402 causes the heating element 110-A of the thermal head 110 to generate heat according to the supplied print signal, which thermally transfers the cyan dye 253 on the ink ribbon 210 to the sheet 300 and prints the cyan color. As in the case of yellow printing, after the sheet 300 is conveyed to the position calculated and printed in step S118, the control unit 402 generates heat according to the supplied print signal. Figure 7C When the transfer end position shown in FIG. 1 is reached, the heating of the heating element 110-A of the thermal head 110 is stopped, and cyan printing is completed. At this time, in order to print in such a manner that there is no margin at the rear end 302 of the sheet 300, the rear end 302 stops at a position further conveyed in the direction of arrow D than the position where the sheet 300 is pressed between the thermal head 110 and the platen roller 120.

[0073] The printer 100 of the present embodiment performs overcoat printing after printing three colors in order to reduce the situation where external factors cause degradation of the image printed on the sheet 300. The control unit 402 again moves the sequence to the return operation in order to perform overcoat printing.

[0074] In step S123, the control unit 402 performs a return operation in the same manner as in step S119. First, the head arm 111 is rotated to release the sheet 300 from between the thermal head 110 and the platen roller 120, thereby stopping at Figure 6B Then, the sheet 300 is conveyed to the middle position shown in FIG. Figure 6C Print position shown.

[0075] The take-up winding member 207 also rotates at the same time. Then, when the ribbon sensor 150 detects the mark 215 provided at the beginning of the outer coating 254, the rotation of the take-up winding member 207 is stopped, and the beginning determination of the outer coating 254 is performed.

[0076] In step S124, the control unit 402 performs overcoat printing. As in the above-mentioned yellow printing, in overcoat printing, the head arm 111 is rotated using a drive source (not shown) and the thermal head 110 is stopped at Fig. 7A 1 and press the sheet 300 against the ink ribbon 210 using the thermal head 110 and the platen roller 120. Then, while the sheet 300 is being conveyed in the direction of arrow D by the conveying roller 160, the control unit 402 causes the heating element 110-A of the thermal head 110 to generate heat according to the print signal. The overcoat layer 254 on the ink ribbon 210 is thermally transferred to the sheet 300, and overcoat printing is performed.

[0077] In step S125, the control unit 402 performs a sheet discharge operation. Once the overcoat printing is completed, in order to discharge the sheet 300 from the printer 100, the control unit 402 rotationally drives the conveying roller 160 in the counterclockwise direction in the figure and conveys the sheet 300 to the printer 100. Figure 8 The head arm 111 is rotated by a driving source (not shown), and the thermal head 110 moves to the position away from the roller gap between the conveying roller 160 and the driven roller 161. Figure 8 At this time, the sheet 300 is detected by the sheet discharge port sensor 142. Therefore, the printer 100 lights up the display unit 102, and further notifies the mobile terminal (not shown) that the printed sheet 300 is to be removed (step S125). Then, when the user removes the printed sheet 300, the sheet discharge port sensor 142 detects that the sheet 300 has been removed, and printing ends.

[0078] Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B An example of a printed product printed by the printer 100 according to the present embodiment is shown. Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B As shown, the print product printed by the printer 100 has a margin 310 and a printing range 320. The margin 310 is a range where printing cannot be performed, and is located on the front end 301 side of the sheet. The length Y of the margin 310 corresponds to the distance between the conveying roller 160 and the heating element 110-A of the thermal head 110. Printing can be performed in a manner such that there are no margins on three sides of the sheet (i.e., the rear end 302, the side end 304, and the side end 305).

[0079] Next, we will refer to Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B The process for calculating the transfer start position performed in step S114 of the above-mentioned printing operation is described.

[0080] First, in response to detecting the position of the rear end 302 of the sheet in step S113, the control unit 402 determines the position separated by the length P of the print range 320 with the position of the rear end 302 of the sheet as the transfer start position 303. Next, the influence of the variation in the length L of the sheet 300 will be described. The variation in the length L of the sheet 300 is as high as about 1.0 mm due to the variation in the manufacturing equipment when cutting the sheet, but in the case of a sheet 300 having a length L min (i.e., short) case, such as Fig. 10A As shown, the margin 310 becomes shorter to a length Y min However, the length P of the printing range 320 does not change. In addition, when the sheet 300 has a length L MAX (ie, long), the margin 310 becomes longer to a length Y MAX , but the length P of the print range 320 does not change. In other words, the length of the print range 320 can be fixed by detecting the position of the rear end 302 of the sheet and determining the transfer start position 303 based on the position of the rear end 302 of the sheet.

[0081] On the other hand, a method can also be conceived in which the position of the leading end 301 of the sheet is detected, and a position separated by a length Y of the margin 310 based on the position of the leading end 301 is determined as the transfer start position 303. Fig. 10B As shown, when the sheet 300 is shortened to a length L min When the length Y of the margin 310 is unchanged, the print range 320 becomes shorter to the length P min , thus producing an unprintable area (thin shaded area in the figure). MAX, the length Y of the margin 310 does not change, and the print range 320 also remains at the length P. This produces a margin where nothing is printed on the trailing end 302 of the sheet.

[0082] In this way, the position of the rear end 302 of the sheet can be detected, and the position separated by the length P of the printing range 320 with reference to the position of the rear end 302 of the sheet can be determined as the transfer start position 303. This makes it possible to appropriately prevent the occurrence of a margin at the rear end 302 of the sheet.

[0083] Next, we will refer to Fig.11 and Fig.12 The process for calculating the transfer end position performed in step S118 of the above-mentioned printing operation is described. Fig.11 A range 330 in which the heating element 110 -A of the thermal head 110 is heated relative to the sheet 300 according to the present embodiment is shown. Fig.12 The influence of curvature in the sheet 300 according to the present embodiment is shown.

[0084] The change in the printing position is caused not only by the change in the length of the sheet 300 as described above, but also by the change caused by the bend in the sheet 300. As described above, the transfer start position is determined in step S114. However, in step S114, if Fig.12 As shown in FIG. 1 , the thermal head 110 is at an intermediate position away from the platen roller 120. As such, the sheet path is wide, and therefore, as shown in FIG. Fig.12 As shown, the sheet 300 can be bent to the position shown by the dotted line 300-1. There is a difference of about 0.5 mm in the length of the sheet 300 from the rear end 302 to the position clamped by the conveying roller 160 and the driven roller 161 between the case where the sheet 300 is bent (dotted line 300-1) and the case where the sheet 300 is straight and not bent. This difference in length results in a change in the printing position.

[0085] The print position also changes by about 0.5 mm due to changes in the attachment position when the sheet feed port sensor 141 is attached to the printer 100 and changes caused by the sensitivity of the sheet feed port sensor 141. Therefore, in order to print on the sheet 300 without margins, as shown in FIG. Fig.11 As shown, the heating range 330 needs to be set larger relative to the thin sheet 300. For example, the heating range 330 needs to be set to exceed the rear end 302 of the thin sheet 300 by at least 1.0 mm (d in the figure).

[0086] However, if the heating range 330 is set larger than the sheet 300 by about 1.0 mm, problems such as those described below may occur. Fig.13A problem that occurs when printing is performed in such a manner that there is no margin at the rear end 302 according to the present embodiment is schematically shown.

[0087] If the heating range 330 is larger than the sheet 300, printing is continued even after the rear end 302 of the sheet 300 passes through the nip position between the thermal head 110 and the platen roller 120. In this way, the heating element 110-A of the thermal head 110 emits heat in a state where only the ink ribbon 210 is clamped between the thermal head 110 and the platen roller 120, so that the dye on the ink ribbon 210 is transferred to the platen roller 120. During the subsequent printing operation, the back side of the sheet 300 and the platen roller 120 are always in contact, so the dye transferred to the platen roller 120 can be transferred back to the back side of the sheet 300. For example, if the dye is transferred to the platen roller 120 when the heating range 330 has been set to be larger than the sheet 300 by at least about 0.5 mm, the transferred dye can be transferred back to the back side of the sheet 300.

[0088] In the range of about 0.5 mm near the rear end 302, the gap between the platen roller 120 and the ink ribbon 210 is ensured by the thickness of the sheet 300. Therefore, the dye on the ink ribbon 210 is not transferred. However, the platen roller 120 and the ink ribbon 210 are in close contact with each other at a position farther from the sheet 300, which means that the dye on the ink ribbon 210 can be transferred.

[0089] Next, we will refer to Fig.14 Determination of the transfer end position in step S118 in order to suppress transfer of the dye to the platen roller 120 will be described. Fig.14 1 shows a state in which the rear end 302 has been detected during the printing operation of the printer 100 according to the present embodiment. As described above, when the transfer start position is determined in step S114, a variation of about 0.5 mm may occur due to the bending of the sheet 300. Therefore, when the transfer end position is determined based on the position of the rear end 302 of the sheet 300 detected in step S113, as described above, it is necessary to set the heating range 330 of the rear end 302 to be at least 1.0 mm larger than the sheet 300.

[0090] However, the timing of detecting the position of the rear end 302 in step S117 is as follows: Fig.14As shown, the thermal head 110 is at a printing position where the thermal head 110 is pressed against the platen roller 120. In other words, the space formed between the thermal head 110 and the platen roller 120 through which the conveyed sheet can pass is narrowed, which makes it difficult for the sheet 300 to bend. Therefore, in step S118, the control unit 402 calculates the transfer end position based on the position of the rear end 302 detected in step S117. Several methods can be used to determine the transfer end position based on the position of the detected rear end 302. For example, by using a predetermined distance D indicating the distance from the sheet feed port sensor 141 to the position where the thermal head 110 is pressed against the platen roller 120, the transfer end position relative to the position C where the transfer is currently being performed can be obtained. Alternatively, the transfer end position relative to the transfer start position can be obtained by adding the predetermined distance D to the distance from the transfer start position to the position C. In other words, the transfer end position calculated in step S118 is different from the transfer end position calculated based on (reference number 220 above). Fig.11 The transfer end position determined by the transfer start position described above is closer to the rear end of the recording sheet than the transfer end position determined by the transfer start position described above. Doing so makes it possible to reduce the variation of the transfer end position to 0.5 mm or less. This in turn makes it possible to suppress the transfer of the dye to the platen roller 120.

[0091] exist Fig.9A and Fig. 9BIn the printing operation shown, the rear end 302 of the sheet 300 is detected during yellow printing, and the transfer end position is calculated during yellow printing. However, if the printing speed is high, the processing for calculating the transfer end position may not be performed in time. Therefore, the transfer end position during the transfer of the first color among the plurality of dye colors (i.e., during yellow printing) can be calculated in advance based on the transfer start position calculated in step S114, and then printing can be performed. In this case, for yellow printing, it is necessary to set the heating range 330 of the rear end 302 to be at least 1.0 mm larger than the sheet 300. However, by reducing the density of the dye near the rear end 302 before transfer, the transfer of the dye back to the back side of the sheet 300 as described above can be reduced. In magenta printing and cyan printing, the processing for calculating the transfer end position in step S118 must have been completed, so printing can be performed without reducing the density. In other words, in yellow printing, the transfer end position is determined based on the transfer start position, and the concentration of the dye is set to be lower in a predetermined range from the transfer end position than in an area outside the predetermined range. Then, in magenta printing and cyan printing, the transfer end position can be determined as a position different from the previously determined transfer end position based on the position of the rear end detected during the transfer (in yellow printing). Therefore, the concentration of the dye does not decrease. Doing so makes it possible to minimize the reduction in darkness of the image to be printed, which in turn makes it possible to reduce the impact on the print quality.

[0092] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, among the dyes of the plurality of colors, the yellow dye 251 is set as the dye to be transferred initially. This is because, compared with magenta and cyan, when the amount of dye to be transferred is reduced, the influence of yellow on the print darkness is smaller. In other words, setting the yellow dye 251 as the initial dye enables the reduction of the darkness of the above-mentioned printed image to be minimized.

[0093] This embodiment describes the case where the dye is transferred to the sheet as an example. The dye is an example of ink, and the sheet is an example of a recording sheet. Therefore, this embodiment can be applied to the case where the ink is transferred to the recording sheet.

[0094] In other words, according to the present embodiment, the printer 100 serving as an example of a printing device detects the position of a recording sheet being conveyed, and controls the transfer of ink and the conveyance of the recording sheet. The ink transfer start position is determined based on the position of the detected rear end of the recording sheet being conveyed before the transfer of the ink starts. When the space through which the recording sheet being conveyed can pass is in a state that occurs during the period when the ink is being transferred onto the recording sheet, the ink transfer end position can be determined based on the position of the detected rear end. By doing so, when the ink is transferred in such a manner that there is no margin at the rear end of the recording sheet, the ink can be accurately transferred at the rear end. The transfer of ink to the platen roller can also be suppressed by appropriately controlling the transfer near the rear end of the recording sheet. In other words, the transfer can be appropriately controlled near the end of the recording sheet.

[0095] Note that the present embodiment is not limited to determining the transfer end position during the transfer of ink onto the recording sheet. If the space through which the recording sheet being transported can pass is narrow, the transfer end position of the ink can be accurately determined based on the position of the detected rear end. In other words, the transfer end position of the ink can be determined based on the position of the rear end of the recording sheet being transported in a second state in which the space through which the recording sheet being transported can pass is narrower than in a predetermined first state. For example, due to Fig. 6A The position of the thermal head before printing is shown, so that the space through which the recording sheet being conveyed can pass is in the first state. Fig. 6A When the position shown is lower than the position shown, the space can enter the second state. In this way, the transfer end position of the ink can be accurately determined, and the transfer can be appropriately controlled near the rear end of the recording sheet.

[0096] In the above-described embodiment, when the space through which the recording sheet being conveyed can pass is in the first state (wide state), the transfer start position is determined based on the detected rear end of the recording sheet. Then, the transfer end position is determined based on the position of the rear end of the recording sheet detected when the space is in the second state (narrow state). This makes it possible to determine the transfer end position in a manner similar to that based on ( Fig.11 The transfer end position is determined with better accuracy than the transfer end position set by the transfer start position (shown).

[0097] Other embodiments

[0098] The embodiments of the present invention may also be implemented by providing software (program) for performing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and a computer or a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessing unit (MPU) of the system or device reads and executes the program.

[0099] While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A printing device, comprising: a detection unit configured to detect a position of a recording sheet being conveyed; as well as a control unit configured to control transfer of ink and conveyance of the recording sheet, Wherein, the control unit: determining a transfer start position of the ink based on a position of a trailing end of the recording sheet being conveyed before transfer of the ink is started, which is detected by the detection unit, and The transfer end position of the ink is determined based on the position of the trailing end of the recording sheet being conveyed detected by the detection unit in a second state in which the space through which the recording sheet being conveyed can pass is narrower than in a predetermined first state.

2. The printing device according to claim 1, further comprising: a recording unit configured to transfer the ink onto the recording sheet; as well as A driving unit is configured to move the recording unit so that a space through which a recording sheet being conveyed can pass is in the first state or the second state.

3. The printing device according to claim 1, in, The first state is a state of the space before transfer of the ink starts, and the second state is a state of the space during transfer of the ink onto the recording sheet.

4. The printing device according to claim 3, in, The first state is a state of the space when the rear end is detected before transfer of the ink starts, and the second state is a state of the space during transfer of the ink onto the recording sheet.

5. The printing device according to claim 2, in, The recording unit includes a thermal head, and The first state is a state of the space when the thermal head is a predetermined distance from a roller for supporting the recording sheet, and the second state is a state of the space when the thermal head is closer to the roller than the predetermined distance.

6. The printing device according to claim 1, in, The control unit determines the transfer start position in the first state.

7. The printing device according to claim 1, in, The control unit determines the transfer end position based on the determined transfer start position, and then determines the transfer end position at a position different from the determined transfer end position based on the position of the trailing end detected in the second state.

8. The printing device according to claim 7, in, The transfer end position determined based on the position of the rear end is closer to the rear end of the recording sheet than the transfer end position determined based on the transfer start position.

9. The printing device according to claim 1, in, The ink is one color of ink among a plurality of colors of ink, and The control unit determines the transfer end position based on a position of the trailing end detected during the second state when a first ink is being transferred, the first ink being an initially transferred ink among the plurality of color inks.

10. The printing device according to claim 1, in, The ink is one color of ink among a plurality of colors of ink, and The control unit: determining the transfer end position based on the transfer start position when a first ink is to be transferred, the first ink being an ink to be transferred initially among the plurality of color inks; as well as In a case where a second ink used after the first ink is to be transferred, the transfer end position is determined based on the position of the rear end detected before the transfer of the second ink is started.

11. The printing device according to claim 10, in, When the first ink is to be transferred, the control unit sets the density of the first ink to be lower in a predetermined range from a transfer end position determined based on the transfer start position than in a region outside the predetermined range.

12. The printing device according to claim 11, in, The control unit skips reducing the density of the second ink in a case where the second ink is to be transferred.

13. The printing device according to claim 10, in, In the case where the amount of transferred ink is reduced, the first ink has less impact on print darkness than the second ink.

14. The printing device according to claim 10, in, The color of the first ink is yellow.

15. The printing device according to claim 1, in, The control unit determines the transfer end position at a position such that no margin exists at the trailing end of the recording sheet.

16. A control method for a printing device, the printing device comprising a detection unit configured to detect a position of a recording sheet being conveyed, the control method comprising: controlling the transfer of ink and the conveyance of the recording sheet, Wherein, the control includes: determining a transfer start position of the ink based on a position of a trailing end of the recording sheet being conveyed before transfer of the ink is started, which is detected by the detection unit, and The transfer end position of the ink is determined based on the position of the trailing end of the recording sheet being conveyed detected by the detection unit in a second state in which the space through which the recording sheet being conveyed can pass is narrower than in a predetermined first state.

17. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute a control method of a printing device, the printing device including a detection unit configured to detect a position of a recording sheet being conveyed, the control method comprising: controlling the transfer of ink and the conveyance of the recording sheet, Wherein, the control includes: determining a transfer start position of the ink based on a position of a trailing end of the recording sheet being conveyed before transfer of the ink is started, which is detected by the detection unit, and The transfer end position of the ink is determined based on the position of the trailing end of the recording sheet being conveyed detected by the detection unit in a second state in which the space through which the recording sheet being conveyed can pass is narrower than in a predetermined first state.

18. A computer program product comprising a computer program / command which, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform a method for controlling a printing device, the printing device comprising a detection unit configured to detect a position of a recording sheet being conveyed, the control method comprising: controlling the transfer of ink and the conveyance of the recording sheet, Wherein, the control includes: determining a transfer start position of the ink based on a position of a trailing end of the recording sheet being conveyed before transfer of the ink is started, which is detected by the detection unit, and The transfer end position of the ink is determined based on the position of the trailing end of the recording sheet being conveyed detected by the detection unit in a second state in which the space through which the recording sheet being conveyed can pass is narrower than in a predetermined first state.

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